About This PhD Project

Project Description

*SUBJECT TO FUNDING*

Damage to endothelial cells (ECs) is a hallmark of the onset of cardiovascular disease. Development of fast and robust new methodologies that produce well-characterised, homogenous, clinical-grade cells suitable for tissue repair/re-modelling would have great utility. Recently, our group has described a new strategy for direct reprogramming of somatic cells into ECs without traversing pluripotency, which could be useful for regenerative medicine. Although, these findings highlight the remarkable potential of EC reprogramming, the limitation of extremely low efficiency (1-4%) still remains. The present study will develop a remarkable novel approach based on the concept of merging epigenetic and metabolic reprogramming to establish a unique strategy to reprogram ECs using a highly efficient approach. Importantly, the underlying mechanisms of this unique approach will be fully elucidated and evaluated in vivo. Together, this project may establish the therapeutic potential of reprogrammed ECs which would have transforming consequences for regenerative and personalised medicine.

REQUIREMENTS

Candidates should have or expect to obtain a 2:1 or higher Honours degree or equivalent in a relevant biomedical or life sciences subject.

English Language

Candidates applying from countries where the first language is not English should produce evidence of their competence through a qualification such as IELTS or TOEFL score.

The minimum recommended score for the School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Science is: • IELTS score of 6.0 with not less than 5.5 in each of the four component elements of listening, reading, speaking and writing taken within the last 2 years; • TOEFL score of 80+ (internet basted test), taken within the last 2 years, with minimum component scores of; Listening 17, Reading 18, Speaking 20, Writing 17); • A valid Certificate of Proficiency in English grade A or B; • A valid Certificate of Advanced English grade A; or • A first or upper second class honours degree from a university based in the UK, Republic of Ireland or other suitably quality assured location in a country deemed by the UK Border Agency to be majority English speaking.

For a list of English Language qualifications also accepted by the School and University please see the following link: http://www.qub.ac.uk/home/StudyatQueens/InternationalStudents/EnglishLanguageRequirements/

The English Language Unit (ELU) offers both pre-sessional and in-sessional courses in English for academic purposes and study skills. Courses vary in length and full information can be obtained from the ELU http://www.qub.ac.uk/tefl/

Funding Notes

*SUBJECT TO FUNDING*

DEL Research Studentships

Eligibility for both fees and maintenance (£14,057 for 2015/16, 2016/17 TBC) depends on the applicants being either an ordinary UK resident or those EU residents who have lived permanently in the UK for the 3 years immediately preceding the start of the studentship.

Non UK residents who hold EU residency may also apply but if successful may receive fees only.

For further details re eligibility criteria (including academic, citizenship and residency criteria) please click on the following link: http://www.delni.gov.uk/index/further-and-higher-education/higher-education/studentfinance/he-student-info-postgrad-finance.htm

References

Please visit the School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Centre for Experimental Medicine, website for further details about the Centre: